Malaysian pickleball just got a significant infrastructure boost.
CelcomDigi Berhad has announced an allocation of up to RM1 million to support the development of Malaysia’s pickleball ecosystem through its Arena CelcomDigi platform. The CelcomDigi Pickleball Fund will be disbursed in phases, directed specifically at improving access to quality, modern pickleball courts nationwide.
The funding is structured in tiers based on court size, making it accessible to operators across different scales. Facilities with three or fewer courts are eligible for RM5,000. Those with four to six courts can receive RM10,000. Facilities with seven or more courts qualify for RM15,000. Support comes in both cash and in-kind contributions, and submissions are open to all eligible pickleball court operators across Malaysia—including local businesses and residential associations.
The practical intent is clear. Courts need upgrading. Equipment gets worn down. Amenities matter to players who want to keep coming back. The fund is designed to close those gaps without requiring operators to shoulder the full cost alone.
Pickle Mines, located in Mines, is the first facility to receive funding under the initiative.
CelcomDigi Head of Brand and Marketing Services Chan May Ling framed the initiative as something bigger than infrastructure.
“For CelcomDigi, connectivity extends to bringing people together in meaningful ways by supporting the communities and shared communal spaces,” she said. “This initiative goes beyond physical upgrades — it is about supporting court operators to continue delivering improved playing environments, while enabling more Malaysians to stay active, develop their skills, and enjoy the sport in spaces they feel comfortable returning to.”
The timing makes sense. Pickleball has become one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing active lifestyle sports, fuelled by the same social and community dimensions that have driven its rise across the region. Courts are filling up. Demand is outpacing supply in many areas. An injection of structured funding at the operator level—rather than at the elite competition level—addresses the part of the ecosystem that most directly affects everyday players.
“Through this initiative, we aim to enhance the overall playing experience and support both court owners and players, contributing to a safer and more inclusive pickleball ecosystem,” Chan added.
A million ringgit, phased out across facilities of every size, with the stated goal of making active lifestyles fun and accessible for all Malaysians. For a sport still building its physical footprint in the country, that kind of institutional backing matters more than the number itself.
Pickleball court operators interested in applying for support under the CelcomDigi Pickleball Fund can now register via https://arenacelcomdigi.com.my/pickleball-fund/. Further updates will also be shared through CelcomDigi’s official social media channels.
